Philippine surfing is giddy with excitement.
Fresh from finishing fourth overall in the International Surfing Association World Longboard Championships in El Salvador, the United Philippine Surfing Association is looking at making waves anew when its top bet competes in the World Beach Games in August in Bali, Indonesia.
Rogelio “Jay-r” Esquivel made a lot of heads turn after a podium finish in the copper medal show in the Central American country to secure a slot in the Bali World Beach Games.
Aided by the solid showing of teammates Daisy Valdez, also from La Union, Aping Agudo of Siargao, and Jomarie Ebueza, another prized find from La Union, the Philippines placed solidly in the standings behind France, Brazil, and Peru.
With Ian Saguan and Manuel Melindo providing premium pointers, the Philippine surfing team had to endure a back-breaking trip from Manila before touching down in El Salvador.
The surfers traveled in two groups.
“Because not everyone had US visas, another group had to fly from Manila to Japan and then Mexico before taking the flight to El Salvador,” said Melindo.
They all arrived there three days before the competitions began and one day, we were all wide awake at 2 in the morning, recalled one of the coaches.
Backed by UPSA president Dr. Raul Canlas, the squad rose to the occasion and went home oozing with pride and joy.
“He (Esquivel) is our EJ Obiena (of pole vault) in surfing,” Canlas said during the team celebration Friday at Greenbelt 3 in Makati.
For placing the Philippines on the world surfing map, the surfers are expected to get strong support from other sources aside from the Philippine Sports Commission.
Attending the event was Ilocos congressman Ronald Singson, who made the assurance that he will lend a helping hand in the pursuit of more surfing honors.
Indeed, Philippine surfing is on the move.
